"Ron" wrote in message
...
I can't find the circuit breakers for any of the upstair bedrooms in
this old, 1908 built house. Would it be reasonably safe to replace a
light switch wearing rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes if it comes
down to having nno other options?

Ron


It would be much easier in a new house that has better quality wiring and
plastic boxes. Quite possibly the insulation on your wiring is going to be
old and brittle and will break off when you remove the switch. Also the
splices will most likely be soldered and taped. If the wire breaks while
you are removing it, you may have to take apart a splice. This is risky to
work on even for a professional.

It is possible that the source of power for this is in some old fuse box or
circuit breaker panel somewhere else in the house. Check the attic.
Another possibility that I see occasionally in older homes is one circuit
fed by two separate circuit breakers. Try shutting off all of the circuit
breakers at once instead of one at a time. As others suggested, if you have
a main breaker, shut that off and have someone hold a flashlight while you
work. I use a headlamp for situations like this.